The lights were dim as students from the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Beaumont entered St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, Beaumont, for the Rainbow Mass.
When Bishop Curtis Guillory, SVD, began his homily he told the students he had made the lights dimmer to illustrate a point.
“Education is a movement forward. It is how we go from the darkness to the light. Catholic education is our light to show us the way,” Bishop Guillory said.
Bishop Guillory went on to talk about baptism in the Catholic Church and how it blesses people throughout their lives.
“The deepest part of you, your soul, is beautiful. It’s a reflection of God. When you are baptized there is a blessing said over your ears that they might be open and hear the word of God. This is so that you might hear his word and proclaim it to others,” Bishop Guillory said.
Bishop Guillory also discussed the darkness that exists along with the light.
“Sometimes there is brokenness in us. When we have that brokenness in us there is darkness. But you are the light of Christ and you can bring light to yourself and to others,” Bishop Guillory said.
Before Mass ended superintendent of Catholic schools Nancy Collins spoke to the students.
She opened by telling all a saying attributed to St. Francis of Assisi to go out and preach, and if necessary, to use words. She gave a couple of examples of how the Catholic schools in Southeast Texas teach through their actions.
“Earlier this week I attended Mass at Our Mother of Mercy in Beaumont. It was a joy to see all these little children belting out ‘He’s got the whole world in his hands,’” Collins said.
“I was also at Kelly for its open house, and I was so impressed by the student ambassadors there. We are so blessed with the students in our schools,” Collins said.
Rainbow Mass is held during Catholic Schools Week to celebrate the diversity of Catholic Schools.
